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Open water swimming added to 2008 Olympic program
By Sara Hunninghake // USA Swimming // October 27, 2005
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2005) - The International Olympic Committee Executive Board announced today that it will add the men’s and women’s 10K open water races to the Olympic program in Beijing. The decision comes on the heels of a number of requests made by the international federations of various Olympic sports.
The IOC Executive Board made its final decisions based on the recommendations of the Olympic Programme Commission.
“The addition of open water to the competition program at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is an exciting development for our sport,” said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming’s Executive Director. “We are especially happy for our athletes, coaches and advocates who have worked so hard and who have dreamed of this day.
“I have personally always viewed open water as swimming’s corollary to what the marathon is to Track & Field. The event is unique, and it will offer up an entirely new side of competitive swimming to everyone who watches the Olympic Games.”
“When it comes to open water swimming, the Europeans, specifically Italy and Russia, and the Australians have always been the top federations. We will have a great challenge ahead of us, but I believe we can rise to the occasion,” said Everett Uchiyama, USA Swimming’s National Team Director. “We know that China will host a fantastic event, particularly because open water swimming has been a part of their history. We’re looking forward to a wonderful competition.”
It is still not known whether the addition of the open water event will affect the number of pool swimmers on the Olympic roster. That number is currently capped at 52.
The selection criteria for U.S. open water swimmers have not yet been determined.
“Certainly, there are still many questions to be asked and answered before we fully understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the inclusion of open water onto the Olympic competition program,” Wielgus said. “As we work through these issues, we will keep our membership and others informed. But today, let’s celebrate.”
In other news related to the IOC Executive Board’s decisions, the international swimming federation’s (FINA) request for the inclusion of the men’s and women’s 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke has been denied.
For more information on the IOC Executive Board’s decisions in other sports, visit www.Olympic.org.
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